Rewards
Wanted
Your character is wanted by somebody and has a price on his or her
head.
The importance of the Warrant varies depending on the issuing authority
Private
Private individuals may offer bounties for the capture and return of
escaped slaves, runaway indentured servants, straying wives and
defaulting debtors. Such bounties carry legal obligation when
endorsed by a local magistrate but most authorities will recognize the
right of the bounty hunter who apprehends the fugitive to retain
custody of the individual even without a legal endorsement.
Typical bounties are usually small but can go as high as 10 or 15
percent of the value of the debt, slave or runaway.
Having a private Bounty Paper attached to a character is equal to 1
Negative Trait.
Local Authorities
These are the officials and magistrates responsible for the larger
towns and cities in the Colonies. Their writ applies to their
local area and is usually honored by other neighboring governments that
are friendly or sympathetic to the charges.
Due to the difficulties of communication it is unlikely that knowledge
of the warrant will extend much beyond the immediate neighborhood of
the issuing authority. A warrant issued in Boston will be enforced in
New York or Philadelphia once the news has been passed on, but it may
be some time, if ever, before the information is spread unless the
crime or fugitive is particularly notorious. Neighboring areas
under the administration of foreign powers, for example French
controlled lands in North America, will rarely enforce a writ from a
local authority.
Examples of these writs are ones issued for runaway slaves and
indentured servants, horse and stock thieves, debtors, etc. The
reward amounts are usually small, anywhere from about $5 for a runaway
servant to a maximum of $100 with most running in the $10 to $50 range.
Having a Local Warrant and Bounty attached to a character is equal to 1
Negative Trait.
Governor
A warrant or writ issued by the Governor of an Island, territory or
Colony will apply throughout that area. Notice of such warrants
are usually sent to other friendly and allied Governors if it is likely
that the fugitive has fled the area, however such distribution can take
some time to occur. Neighboring areas under the control of
another country, for example Spanish Colonies and neighboring British
Colonies in the Caribbean, are unlikely to enforce the warrant of
another countries Governor. Indeed, depending on the crime they
may even shelter the fugitive.
Examples of these writs and warrants are ones issued for murder,
piracy, robbery, theft, large debts, etc. Reward amounts can vary
from small, for routine matters, to quite large. The Governor of
Jamaica had a standing bounty of 5s 7p ($28) for any runaway
slave. A bounty of 8s ($40) would be typical for an otherwise
unknown pirate (such as one captured in a crew.) A known and
notorious pirate may have the bounty increased to anywhere from 10s to
20s ($50 to $100) A Captain may well have a bounty going as high
as 10£ ($1,000.)
Having a Governor's Warrant and Bounty attached to a character is equal
to 1 Negative Trait if the amount is less then $100. If it
is OVER $100 it is equal to 2 Negative Traits.
Royal
A warrant or writ issued by the King or Head of State. These are
enforceable, and usually published (eventually) throughout the ruler's
possessions. Foreign powers will honor such warrants if it is
diplomatically, militarily or politically expedient to do so.
Examples of such warrants are for charges of Treason, murder (the
victim would be very prominent) piracy, theft (of something important,)
counterfeiting, etc. The bounty on a Royal Warrant are usually
large, they typically start at 10£ ($1,000) and may go to thousands of
£'s.
Having a Royal Warrant and Bounty attached to a character is equal to 3
Negative Traits.